Angkor

Pictures by QT Luong

The Bayon, built one century after Angkor Wat, was dedicated from the beginning as a buddhist temple. Its 200 faces represent the Bodhisattva Avalokisesvara, thought by King Jayavarman VII to be his benefactor. While the bas-reliefs of Angkor are inspired by the Hindu mythology, some of those of the Bayon represent everyday life and historic events. Ta Promm, built by the same king, completes the Angkor experience by offering an impressive and nostalgic glimpse of the jungle taking repossesion of the site. The temple is mostly ruined, and has been left on purpose in the state where the explorer Henri Mouhot rediscovered it.

Angkor Wat is the most perfect of the Angkor temples. Built in monumental proportions on three levels, its symmetrical five tower layout symbolizes the peaks of Mount Meru and were designed to be a microcosm of the hindu universe. There is not only the grandeur, for every spot in the temple is ornemented with sculptures and bas-reliefs of wonderful detail. Monks from adjacent pagodas still conduct ceremonies in the site and tend to it, contributing to its excellent preservation, the best of any Angkor temples.